America's #1 Online Cigar Auction
first, best, biggest!

Last post 20 years ago by Gonz@CigarBid. 84 replies replies.
2 Pages<12
My Last Post on CBID
Jump to Bottom | Previous Topic | Next Topic
Robby Offline
#51 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 3:45 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
And my matches? I'm not kidding, I've sent several emails to customer service requesting matches. My pleas go un-answered. I would think at a 1,400 dollar a year run rate, it would be worth a freakin box or two of matches? Or at least an email from customer service when I send emails to customer service asking why no matches when I ask for matches? Gonz, it may seem like a little thing to you, but isn't it the little things that make service you receive from a company you do business with worthy of your business? A warm smile? A genuinely propitious greeting? A heartfelt thank you? Does a few lousy boxes of matches really seem like too much to ask? Seriously? (yes seriously). If a 1400 dollar a year customer is not important to you then please, by all means, make a joke, laugh, belittle the request. Check my account if you doubt my business. This is the same thing Billy is talking about. If customer service really is world class, then you would value each and every customer as if they were made of solid gold. That's how you build your cliental. I know cbid has grown and is growing, but complaints are like cockroaches, where there’s one or two you see, there are many more hiding… A word to the wise, don’t take your customers for granted. The big ones, the small ones, the seemingly unreasonable, the seemingly inane, don’t take your customers for granted.
chuckler Offline
#52 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 3:55 PM EST
Joined: 08-14-2003
Posts: 4,238
Stand and deliver... Cbid... Stand and deliver...

And PLEASE SEND ROBBY SOME MATCHES FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

Respectfully.

PT
kccody Offline
#53 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 4:04 PM EST
Joined: 03-19-2007
Posts: 610
Robby, calm down man. I'll send you my two boxes of matches if they mean that much to you!!

I'm hoping you’re joking here, I mean you are bidding on and receiving cigars at what would most likely be unheard of prices unless you overbid a lot. Isn't that enough for you? Why would you expect more freebies than that?

I know for fact that I have saved at least 30% - 80% off retail on every bid I have won here. I also don't see anywhere on their site that says they will include free matches.

Besides, I think it’s fun to go through my box every time I get a shipment to see if I got another box of matches. Not only would it take the fun out of it, but it would also take away from their appeal to just have them send you some every time you request them.

just my opinion....
Robby Offline
#54 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 4:14 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Just bought a box of Don Tom Dominican Belicosos for 49 bux (not from CBid) normally well over 100 bux. They came today in fact. There are good deals to be had here, yes! BI don't dispute that. But there are good deals to be had elsewhere for anyone with a browser and access to Google and the interest to look.

If you were a proprietor, if you ran your own business, and I made such a simple request, several times, would you ignore it? Repeatedly?
Slimboli Offline
#55 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 4:20 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
smithbw --- I didn't say MSRP ... I said the '2002 Dealer Pricing'. I don't know if those prices have gone up this year ... but I'm sure thy haven't gone down.

Bing an Ambassador for Bucanero cigars, I have a pricing list of what it costs the tobacconists to buy each of the lines direct from the factory ... and I stand by what I said.

I don't know the volume of cigars that CI buys from Bucanero, and if it's fairly large, they may get an even greater price break ... but I'm sure it's not going to be that much lower.

I still hate to see you get your 'panties in a wad' over something that is policy for an auction site. You won one box .... and paid for one box (as you will get your refund when the damaged box is returned). I just don't see how you, or anyone else, can expect them to make and exception for you ... and not very one else who may have a similar problem in the future.

Sorry to see you go over something like this ...

tailgater Offline
#56 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:15 PM EST
Joined: 06-01-2000
Posts: 26,185
Slim, why don't you just slam the door on his way out?


And Robby,
Since you're not joking, we can't laugh with you.
But there's nothing to stop us from laughing AT you...

Besides, matches leave a sulfur taste.
Gonz@CigarBid Offline
#57 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:25 PM EST
Joined: 03-30-1999
Posts: 222
Easy now fellas. I wasn't proposing a solution, just trying to understand what's going on. Every situation is different and should be handled according to the circumstances of the situation. Some agree, some disagree, life goes on.

smithbw, we'll be in touch tomorrow, I need to get some sleep tonight, we'll resolve this.

robby, I love reading your posts, I belly-laugh when I read them - shucks, I know your pulling my chain, being that "worked up" (wink, wink) over matches is just too darn funny. OK, ok, you got me, I'll make sure you get some of Lowman's matches!!!!
Robby Offline
#58 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:32 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Indeed. I don't light my cigars with them. I just wanted a pack or two. And they certainly don't cost? But they seem to be collectable and I wanted another box. Is it an unreasonable request to ask that they throw in a box now and then? For one of their good customers? Is this really an unreasonable request?

If you ran a restaurant, would you begrudge a patron a toothpick after a meal? If you ran a service station, would you begrudge a customer a paper towel to keep the gas smell off of their hands?

If you sold hotdogs, would you not provide mustard? Catsup?

When you go to Taco Bell, do you ask for hot sauce with your taco? Did you actually buy the hot sauce? Nope. It’s something extra. Suppose you asked for hot sauce and they said no? Suppose you only got hot sauce every 5th or 10th taco and you couldn’t figure it out, i.e., when do you get the hot sauce? And you’d brought this to the attention of the management. And they still would not give you hot sauce, would you think this odd?

It’s not exactly like asking for free shipping, or bonus sticks, it’s a box of matches. I mean, if you go to a bar, they sit them up there in a glass, there are packs of them. They’re free. So what is the cost, 1 cent? 2 cents? I just don’t get it.
Slimboli Offline
#59 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:33 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
Lowman --- why don't you send Robby the six boxes of CigarBid matches I sent you awhile back as a joke ...

... I know you don't use them ... LOL!
Robby Offline
#60 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:37 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Ok, I'll sleep well knowing that my matches are stowed away, waiting patiently for my next order. I'll email customer service before the shipment and I'll be sure to order during a timeframe where the relative humidity is low and there is little chance of rain. However, my tears of joy on seeing my matches may defeat the purpose. We shall see! I still say you guys should send Billy his Bucs.
osage Offline
#61 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:39 PM EST
Joined: 02-18-2001
Posts: 492
Man, this has gotten way out of hand. I have to agree with Slim on this one. Why do you think they owe you more than the two boxes they sent and you were charged for? When you send back the first damaged box they will credit your account. At that point you will have been charged for the one box that you officially won. Why do you think you should get a second box (actually a third box) to replace the second box that was shipped to replace the first box? Hell, now I am getting confused. If that is the worst treatment you have received during all the good times here on CBid, I wouldn't be complaining. They certainly tried to handle the problem.

As for Robby and the matches... big friggin deal! First you highjacked Smithbw's thread and all for some 5 cent matches. Gonz! Please send him some matches at your earliest convenience. We don't want Robby crying all over his $745 worth of cigars.
medemax Offline
#62 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 5:57 PM EST
Joined: 02-15-2002
Posts: 178
Seems to me that if CBID refunds the price for the damaged box, smithbw will have received one box at the price he originally bid; in other words, making him whole. And that's an insufficient remedy? If you can get a better deal from any other mail order joint, let me know.
Tobasco Offline
#63 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 6:11 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2003
Posts: 2,809


Robby, I bought the same box of smokes from ******, what an awesome deal! I got the chuchills. One day e-mail special!

Did you recieve the package I sent you? I put matches in it for you. I hope that they will hold you over until you get them from CBid...hehe!

Hope you change your mind smithbw, good luck...

Mag
Steve*R Offline
#64 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 6:38 PM EST
Joined: 07-23-2001
Posts: 1,858
This is actually a very enjoyable thread if purchase contract law interests you. You have a contract if there is offer to sell, acceptance, and consideration(payment.) Cigarbid entered into a contract with Smithbw when they accepted his consideration(payment) for the initial box of cigars. CBid's legal responsibility to make Smithbw whole in a reasonable time frame on the contract issue did not end when the cigars left CBid for the common carrier. That he was charged for the second box of cigars, even though he didn't receive the first box, borders on being an illegal charge. Because he didn't receive the alleged first box, defacto, the second box is the one he legally paid for. Smithbw's credit carrier would have most assuredly charged back the "first" box to CBid, because Smithbw never received it. CBid placed the onus of the lost property on Smithbw, which in most commercial transactions is not only illegal, but an extremely poor public relations practice.
When the second box was sent to Smithbw, he was charged the auction winning price for the initial box. Two things happened at that time. CBid consented to selling the second box at the auction winning price thereby nullifying the exclusivity of the auction price. The claim that smithbw only "won" one box is moot. CBid made an offer to sell the second box at the auction price, smithbw accepted, and he was charged. Offer, acceptance, consideration=contract.
Two boxes were ultimately offered to smithbw at the auction price, he accepted, and was charged. For CBid not to make him whole on both boxes is a clear violation of the sales contract. CBid now has the responsibility of replacing the damaged cigars and securing financial damages from the carrier, but smithbw has no legal standing in the transaction between CBid and the carrier. His remedy is to receive both boxes of cigars for which he paid, in the condition for which he paid for them.

Isn't this fun?

In reality...I've been buying cigars for forty years, and for many years, pre-internet, by catalog. I've never had any vendor double charge me on a lost shipment. It just isn't done.
Homebrew Offline
#65 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 7:31 PM EST
Joined: 02-11-2003
Posts: 11,885
HHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,
Legal mumbo jumbo seems to support Billy.
Go Billy, No STAY
Please stick around Billy.
Comeon Cbid, take care of Billy.
Later
Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)
kccody Offline
#66 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 7:42 PM EST
Joined: 03-19-2007
Posts: 610

Steve*R
Having just gone through the process of a lost shipment from cbid, I feel I must come to their defense here. When you report a lost shipment to them, they start a trace on that shipment. In my case it was with UPS. The process of the trace takes 7 or 8 days. This is pretty commen practice in the mail order business.

In the mean time, if you do not want to wait the extra time and want your shipment replaced immediately, they give you the option of being recharged for the order and then have it ship immediately. When they resolve the matter with UPS, they will then re-credit your bank the amount of the charge.

Sounds pretty fair and legal to me. Lets suppose they didn’t charge him and just sent out the replacement shipment. Then after he had received the replacement shipment he finally receives the original shipment, are they just supposed to assume he will return it to them in good faith?
jd1 Offline
#67 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 9:06 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Maybe I'm missing something here. Billy paid for 2 boxes; one was damaged, upon receiving the damaged box, Cbid should send out a replacement. They want to credit him; why don't they just give him the replacement box he wants. He doesn't want the credit he wants the damn box! What is so hard about that? What is not clear here? The red tape of it all? Cbid should should replace the damaged box upon receipt. Period. Again, 'splain it to me in plain Polish what I am missing here.
sketcha Offline
#68 Posted: Wed, Jun 18 2003, 10:31 PM EST
Joined: 03-26-2003
Posts: 3,238
Wow! What the hell happened?

I just got in from band practice. Tried my first La Estrella Torp. Smoked it about an inch or so and gave up. Just awful! Glad I had a TVS with me. Smoked it to the nub and was ready to play.

Now, where were we?

Slim,

I have had nothing but excellent CS here. I had one problem with a shipment and it was remedied quickly and smoothly. I would expect that someone as concerned with CS as CBid would not pass the buck on an environmentally sensitive item like cigars to their shipper for 75 DAYS!!! No! You make it right! Ship him another and deal with the shipper yourself.

When Cbid sent me the wrong box, they put another in the mail and I returned the old one AFTER I got the correct one. They didn't charge me for the second box and credit me when they got the original back. That's the way it's done. They made a believer out of me.

If Billy were a chronic complainer or a pain in the ass customer that would be one thing. Someone who's been a loyal customer for years without incident deserves a little more. If it were me, I would gladly pay the guy off and keep him happy even if HE were in the wrong. I've been in restaurant management for years and that's what we do. As a company, you've gotta' be ready and able to suck one up now and again to keep your REGULAR clientele happy. Remember the old mantra... If someone has a good experience they'll tell one person. If they have a bad one, they'll tell 10. Everyone gets ONE, in my book. After that, maybe I wouldn't be as nice if something similar were to arise again.

I would make it right! I have a feeling that's exactly what CBid will do if Billy will have it. He doesn't want a box for free! He wants the second box that he paid for. Big deal. Maybe he goes through them that fast and would've already bid on, won and received another round if he weren't having trouble. Sometimes in business there are circumstances beyond your control but as the one the customer is dealing with, you have to eat it.

Another example is My old restaurant, Margaritaville...

I was tending the outside bar one beautiful Sun. afternoon when a 20' long, 12" high and 2" thick piece of reinforced stucco gave way from a construcion project 2 floors above us. It nailed one poor guy in the head and he was in intensive care for 5 days. Do you think he sued the company obove us. No. He was in our care. Now it was up to us to recoup the loss from the company above. That's the way it works IMHO.

I think we ALL love this place Slim, I know I do. I just think Cbid would be wise to just make this all go away and I don't mean they should "off" Billy. =)

JMHO.



Slimboli Offline
#69 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 12:08 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
I'm sure that things will be taken care of in a satisfactory manner ... just like Gonz said.

But ... one thing that many folks here seem to forget, is that this is an auction site. Auctions are run by rules that apply only to auctions. Had these been purchased for full retail at the CI site (just like all these 'other sites' that are mentioned here) ... I'll bet this would have gone a whole different way, and this thread never would have taken place.

Rules are, and have to be set up differently at auctions (than a regular retail site) ... and I don't know how many of you have delt with auctions, other than CigarBid ... but what they did was fully within their rights, and does not constitue practices that are out of the norm.

The fact that the CB Customer Service folks go out of their way to make things right (when they can) ... and is something that is not found at most other auctions (or auction sites) ... and they should not be 'dissed' for the few times that things take a wrong turn.

Murphy's Law does happen now and then, even to those who think they are perfect, and can do no wrong ...
rayder1 Offline
#70 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 12:50 AM EST
Joined: 06-02-2002
Posts: 2,226
I should know better than to read this after 2 AM. My head is spinning and my eyes are glazing over. And I haven't had a drop to drink (of any sort of fermented beverage.)

I think the bottom line is Cbid didn't really do their thing right the first time, but tried to make up for it down the road a day late and a few dollars short.

Don't run off quite yet Billy. Looking into the crystal ball I think everything will sort out soon to your favor. Even if the math doesn't quite work out in Cbid's eyes...the math will work out when Cbid does its fiscal year inventory tax and writes off the damaged box as a loss.

I'm going to bed and keep a foot on the floor.
rayder1 Offline
#71 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 12:50 AM EST
Joined: 06-02-2002
Posts: 2,226
Look...I stayed up later than Slim!
cccbus Offline
#72 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 1:10 AM EST
Joined: 02-20-2003
Posts: 412
Sorry to see a fellow Cigar Lover head out of a great relationship. Did not know you, never saw your face, but I did read and enjoy post that you made. Always interesting.

I have hade several instances to "test" cbid customer service and they have always come through with flying colors"

I am kinda confused as to what happened but best of luck with cbid and yourself working it out.

And if you can find it in yourself sometime, please sneak back in and post. I honestly did enjoy your posts
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#73 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 3:57 AM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
smithbw

sorry chap, you asked for what you are not entitled to.


the rest about matches and some other nonsense that i glanced at.

return to your seats, class and leave quietly when the bell rings.
Lowman Offline
#74 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 3:58 AM EST
Joined: 12-03-2002
Posts: 6,982
Hey !!! Why is everyone volunteering my matches???

OK, OK... I think I have Robby's addy... I'll get some out to him... geesh...

Low

Sorry to see Billy go... But if he feels that this is something he must do than so be it... BUT i do hope things get worked out ... :o(
Danno114 Offline
#75 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:10 AM EST
Joined: 03-01-2002
Posts: 395
Billy: Hope it works out. You'll be missed.
[email protected] Offline
#76 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:13 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 9,719
... I've got to agree with GONZ & CBID on this one -

- Billy won an auction
- Billy paid for the auction
- Billy was shipped his cigars

- First box of 'gars gets delayed
- Billy is allowed to buy a REPLACEMENT box at the same auction price
- Original box of 'gars shows up - damaged

- CBID offers to refund purchase price of (1) box of 'gars to Billy
- Billy wants a replacement of the box of damaged 'gars in lieu of reimbursement
- Billy only bid on (1) box of 'gars to begin with

- Billy has now paid only $173.00 for two boxes of 'gars but only (1) box is good
- Typical price of (1) box outside of an auction is $140.00

- Billy wants $280.00 worth of 'gars but only wants to pay $173.00 - a savings of over $100.00 (that's where the money for the matches comes into play I suppose)

... I apologize if I didn't realize that this was Wally-World here instead of an auction ....

... sure wish I could review all of the closed auctions when they end and pick which ones I think are a good deal (at least $100.00 less than retail price of course) ... but - then again - if I could do that - it's no longer an auction but more of a standard retail sale isn't it?

.... now I'm going to be really immature and go sit in the closet and play with my matches ....

- Nice knowing ya' Billy ....
ceo Offline
#77 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:27 AM EST
Joined: 09-11-2010
Posts: 150
Matches,matches, matches. It seems to me that you used to get matches with every order. I guess this has changed seeing that I have not placed an order in the last 5 months. I still have 27 boxes left and I use them.
Bob
[email protected] Offline
#78 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:28 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 9,719
... oh yea - ....

- If the original box of 'gars HADN'T been damaged and just delayed ....

- Billy would be HAPPY becuase he WOULD have gotten TWO boxes of 'gars at the very reasonable auction price here on CBID ...

... I wonder -

- has this ever to Billy before ?
- has Billy been able to get (2) boxes of 'gars at the same price from an auction when he only bid on (1) box because the original box shipped didn't show up overnight?

.... I still think CBID did a commendable thing with Customer Service here ... they weren't required to let him buy another box at the same price (duh - auction)

... I REALLY wonder how many times this has happened in the past with CBidders ... buy one - it gets delayed - end up with two boxes of 'gars when the ending price on the auction is really cheap ....

I'm NOT saying / directing that any bidders have abused this sort of situation - however ... it could EASILY be done simply be "reporting" to Customer Service that your cigars didn't show up....

- you can all call me an A-HOLE anytime you want, but I'm standing fast here on this one ....

Billy - at least look at this situation from my perspective and without emotion ... maybe you'll see the other side of the story and decide to stick around here on CBID -

- but please quit being such a Drama-Whore and threatening to leave the boards & CBID because you can't have it your way ... and if CBID bows down to you on this one, I feel it amounts to nothing more than extortion on your behalf ....

... back to my matches now ....
TurboFC3S Offline
#79 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:48 AM EST
Joined: 05-06-2003
Posts: 131
Robby has a point here. I've used a couple other places over the years. All of them throw in freebies from time to time with my shippments. One always includes an issue of Smoke magazine, some matches, and other stuff like hats, torch lighters, sampler packs of other cigars, all kinds of stuff.

I think Robby's only point is, CI should make it a policy to throw something in for free with each shippment. Whether it's a 5 cent pack of matches, or $20 of misc merchandise ... getting free stuff always makes the customers experience more memorable.
eleltea Offline
#80 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 4:58 AM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I want a free box of Piranhas with my next order or I am quitting too.
Robby Offline
#81 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 5:03 AM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
bingo, and not even every time, but the occasional goodie is a nice treat. And a 5 cent pack of matches is a pretty reasonably priced goodie. Oh and osage? Please stop reading this post!! I don't want your undies to be come so irreparably wedged in your crack that they'll have to be surgically removed! Now go “gettcha some” and drop your hostility level.
godfather1453406 Offline
#82 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 5:07 AM EST
Joined: 06-11-2003
Posts: 426
Robbie youi sound like milton from office space about those damn matches. Are you going to set the building on fire?
funjohnny19 Offline
#83 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 5:19 AM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 74
Something isn't right here....

Facts:

1. smithbw won an auction for ONE box of cigars.
2. Box gets lost.
3. Cbid sends 2nd box and charges smithbw's credit card for 2nd box at auction price.
4. 2nd box arrives in good shape
5. 1st box eventually arrives in poor condition.
6. smithbw complains and wants ANOTHER box to replace the damaged box.

You want 2 boxes, when you only WON 1 box. No can do. I realize that your credit card was charged for 2 boxes, but you have received the box you won and you can return the damaged box for a full refund. What is the problem?? The fact is, if both boxes arrived in mint condition, you would have walked away with 2 boxes at auction price, when you only won 1 - I don't think you would have had a problem with that. CBid took that risk in an effort to solve the problem. To me, that is not a horrible policy and it's the least they can do if the shipment gets lost.

smithbw - In your defense, I think cbid owes you SOMETHING for this inconvenience. From all I've read here, you have a been a great customer and loyal bidder for a long time. IMO - A box of Bucs is a small price to pay to hang onto such a great customer. Hopefully all this works out for the best.

BTW - The biggest crime here is that 15 Bucs are ruined and we'll never know how or why - that's a tragedy.

Funjohnny
Slimboli Offline
#84 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 5:21 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
TurboFC3S --- matches are one thing, low cost ... and if they have them, they ususally send them. For all you newbies out there ... this one was addressed by Gonz last year sometime.

But asking CB to throw in 'freebies' when you have just won your goods at a cost that may be at or below wholesale prices is a rediculous thing to ask a company.

Yeah ... you may have spent a lot of money here, but you got some pretty great deals, too. Yeah ... sometimes you can find deals anywhere you want to look ... but not always, and it's not always worth the time and trouble.

Heck ... before I got laid off, I spent $1,600 in six months ... and you never saw me 'whining' for freebies!

Is everyone 'brain-dead' ... this is an auction, and it has to be run differently than a regular retail site ... if it's going to stay in business!
Gonz@CigarBid Offline
#85 Posted: Thu, Jun 19 2003, 5:25 AM EST
Joined: 03-30-1999
Posts: 222
ok, ok, I think we have everyone's opinion, now we're just bantering, sides are being taken, feelings are being hurt, yada, yada, yada.

Sorry but I need to lock this thread now. enough beating of this dead horse...
Users browsing this topic
Guest
2 Pages<12
Back to Top